It is said that the right man in the right place at the right time can mean the difference between victory and defeat. This is the dramatic story of 68 soldiers in the US Army's Second Ranger Battalion, Company D - "Dog Company" - who made that difference, time and again. America had many heroes in World War II; however, few can say that, but for them, the course of the war would have been very different. The right men, the right place, the right time - Dog Company.

The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau

From July 10, 1943, the date of the Allied landing in Sicily, to May 8, 1945, when victory in Europe was declared - the entire time it took to liberate Europe - no regiment saw more action, and no single platoon, company, or battalion endured worse, than the ones commanded by Felix Sparks, who had entered the war as a greenhorn second lieutenant of the 157th "Eager for Duty" Infantry Regiment of the 45th "Thunderbird" Division. Sparks and his fellow Thunderbirds fought longest and hardest to defeat Hitler.

Hell in the Pacific: A Marine Rifleman's Journey from Guadalcanal to Peleliu

In what may be the last memoir to be published by a living veteran of the pivotal invasion of Guadalcanal, which occurred almost 70 years ago, Marine Jim McEnery has teamed up with author Bill Sloan to create an unforgettably immersive chronicle of horror and heroism.

D-Days in the Pacific

Although most people associate the term D-day with the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, it is military code for the beginning of any offensive operation. In the Pacific theater during World War II there were more than one hundred D-days. The largest - and last - was the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945, which brought together the biggest invasion fleet ever assembled, far larger than that engaged in the Normandy invasion.D-Days in the Pacific tells the epic story of the campaign waged by American forces to win back the Pacific islands from Japan.

First SEALs: The Untold Story of the Forging of America's Most Elite Unit

In the summer of 1942, an extraordinary group of men - among them a dentist, a medical student, a Hollywood star, an archaeologist, a British commando, and even former enemies of the Allies - formed an exceptional unit that would later become the US Navy's Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Teams.

Snow & Steel: The Battle of the Bulge 1944-45

Between December 16, 1944 and January 15, 1945, American forces found themselves entrenched in the heavily forested Ardennes region of Belgium, France, and Luxembourg defending against an advancing German army amid freezing temperatures, deep snow, and dense fog. Operation Herbstnebel - Autumn Mist - was a massive German counter-offensive that stunned the Allies in its scope and intensity.

Beyond Valor: World War II's Ranger and Airborne Veterans Reveal the Heart of Combat

Previous books have promised to describe the combat experience of the World War II GI, but there has never been a book like Patrick O'Donnell's Beyond Valor. Here is the first combat history of the war in Europe in the words of the men themselves, and perhaps the most honest and brutal account of combat possible.

Last Stand at Khe Sanh: The US Marines’ Finest Hour in Vietnam

The vivid, fast-paced account of the siege of Khe Sanh told through the eyes of the men who lived it. For seventy-seven days in 1968, amid fears that America faced its own disastrous Dien Bien Phu, six thousand US Marines held off thirty thousand North Vietnamese Army regulars at the remote mountain stronghold called Khe Sanh. It was the biggest battle of the Vietnam War, with sharp ground engagements, devastating artillery duels, and massive US air strikes.

Battle: The Story of the Bulge

Battle: The Story of the Bulge, John Toland's first work of military history, recounts the saga of beleaguered American troops as they resisted Hitler's deadly counter offensive in World War II's Battle of the Bulge - and turned it into an Allied victory. It is a gripping work, painstakingly researched and imbued with such vivid detail that listeners will feel as though they themselves witnessed these events. This is a book not to be missed by anyone interested in this tumultuous era of our world's history.

Hill 488

On June 13, 1966, men of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division were stationed on Hill 488. Before the week was over, they would fight the battle that would make them the most highly decorated small unit in the entire history of the US military, winning a Congressional Medal of Honor, four Navy Crosses, 13 Silver Stars, and 18 Purple Hearts - some of them posthumously.

D-Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of WW II

Stephen E. Ambrose draws from hundreds of interviews with US Army veterans and the brave Allied soldiers who fought alongside them to create this exceptional account of the day that shaped the twentieth century. D-Day is above all the epic story of men at the most demanding moment of their existence, when the horrors, complexities and triumphs of life are laid bare and courage and heroism come to the fore.

Parachute Infantry: An American Paratrooper's Memoir of D-Day and the Fall of the Third Reich

David Kenyon Webster's memoir is a clear-eyed, emotionally charged chronicle of youth, camaraderie, and the chaos of war. Relying on his own letters home and recollections he penned just after his discharge, Webster gives a firsthand account of life in E Company, 101st Airborne Division, crafting a memoir that resonates with the immediacy of a gripping novel.

The Filthy Thirteen: From the Dustbowl to Hitler's Eagle’s Nest - The True Story of the101st Airborne's Most Legendary Squad of Combat Paratroopers

Since World War II, the American public has become fully aware of the exploits of the 101st Airborne Division, the paratroopers who led the Allied invasions into Nazi-held Europe. But within the ranks of the 101st, a sub-unit attained legendary status at the time, its reputation persisting among veterans over the decades. Primarily products of the Dustbowl and the Depression, the Filthy13 grew notorious, even within the ranks of the elite 101st. Never ones to salute an officer, or take a bath, this squad became singular within the Screaming Eagles.

Brotherhood of Heroes: The Marines at Peleliu, 1944

A Band of Brothers for the Pacific, this is the gut-wrenching but ultimately triumphant story of the Marines' most ferocious, yet largely forgotten, battle of World War II. Between September 15 and October 15, 1944, the First Marine Division suffered more than 6,500 casualties fighting on a hellish little island in the Pacific. Peleliu was the scene for one of the most savage struggles of modern times, a true killing ground that has all but been forgotten, until now.

Those Who Hold Bastogne: The True Story of the Soldiers and Civilians Who Fought in the Biggest Battle of the Bulge

In this dramatic account of the 1944-45 winter of war in Bastogne, historian Peter Schrijvers offers the first full story of the German assault on the strategically located town. From the December stampede of American and Panzer divisions racing to reach Bastogne first, through the bloody eight-day siege from land and air, and through three more weeks of unrelenting fighting even after the siege was broken, events at Bastogne hastened the long-awaited end of WWII.

The Dead and Those About to Die: D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach

A white-knuckle account of the First Infantry Division’s harrowing D-Day assault on the eastern sector of Omaha Beach - acclaimed historian John C. McManus has written a gripping history that will stand as the last word on this titanic battle. Nicknamed the Big Red One, First Division had fought from North Africa to Sicily, earning a reputation as stalwart warriors on the front lines and rabble-rousers in the rear. Yet on D-Day, these jaded combat veterans melded with fresh-faced replacements to accomplish one of the most challenging and deadly missions ever.

Voices of the Pacific: Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II

Chronicling the United States Marine Corps’ actions in the Pacific theater of operations, Voices of the Pacific presents the true stories of heroism and honor as told by such World War II veterans as Sid Phillips, R. V. Burgin, and Chuck Tatum - whose exploits were featured in the HBO miniseries The Pacific - and their marine buddies from the legendary First Marine Division.

Citizen Soldiers: The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany

A masterful biography of the U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, Citizen Soldiers provides a compelling account of the extraordinary stories of ordinary men in their fight for democracy. From the high command on down to the enlisted men, Stephen E. Ambrose draws on hundreds of interviews and oral histories from men on both sides who were there.

Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters

They were called Easy Company, but their mission was never easy. Immortalized as the Band of Brothers, they suffered huge casualties while liberating Europe in an unparalleled record of bravery under fire. Dick Winters led them through the Battle of the Bulge, the attack on Foy, where Easy Company reached its breaking point, and finally into Germany, by which time each member had been wounded. Outside Munich, they liberated an S.S. death camp and captured Berchtesgaden, Hitler's alpine retreat.

No Better Place to Die: Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944 - The Battle for la Fiere Bridge

As part of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, three airborne divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to sow confusion in the German rear and prevent panzer reinforcements from reaching the beaches. In the dark early hours of D-Day, this confusion was achieved well enough, as nearly every airborne unit missed its drop zone, creating a kaleidoscope of small-unit combat.

Defiant: The POWs Who Endured Vietnam's Most Infamous Prison, the Women Who Fought for Them, and the One Who Never Returned

The story of the indomitable American POWs who endured "Alcatraz," the Hanoi prison camp where North Vietnam locked up its most dangerous and subversive prisoners, and the wives who fought to bring them home. As these men suffered in Hanoi, their wives launched an extraordinary campaign that would ultimately spark the POW/MIA movement. When the survivors finally returned, one would receive the Medal of Honor, another became a U.S. Senator, and a third still serves in Congress.

Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck

A stunning look at World War II from the other side.... From the turret of a German tank, Colonel Hans von Luck commanded Rommel's 7th and then 21st Panzer Division. El Alamein, Kasserine Pass, Poland, Belgium, Normandy on D-Day, the disastrous Russian front - von Luck fought there with some of the best soldiers in the world. German soldiers. Awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross, von Luck writes as an officer and a gentleman.

Into the Rising Sun: World War II's Pacific Veterans Reveal the Heart of Combat

Patrick K. O'Donnell has made a career of uncovering the hidden history of World War II by tracking down and interviewing its most elite troops: the Rangers, Airborne, Marines, and First Special Service Force, forerunners to Americas's Special Forces.

Lords of the Sky: Fighter Pilots and Air Combat, from the Red Baron to the F-16

The New York Times best-selling author of Viper Pilot and retired USAF F-16 legend Dan Hampton offers the first comprehensive popular history of combat aviation - a unique, entertaining, and action-packed look at the aces of the air and their machines, from the Red Baron and his triplane in World War I to today's technologically expert flying warriors in supersonic jets.

Fire Base Illingworth: An Epic True Story of Remarkable Courage Against Staggering Odds

In the early morning hours of April 1, 1970, more than four hundred North Vietnamese soldiers charged out into the open and tried to overrun FSB Illingworth. The battle went on, mostly in the dark, for hours. Exposed ammunition canisters were hit and blew up, causing a thunderous explosion inside the FSB that left dust so thick it jammed the hand-held weapons of the GIs. Much of the combat was hand-to-hand. In all, twenty-four Americans lost their lives and another fifty-four were wounded.

Publisher's Summary

In the tradition of Band of Brothers, acclaimed combat historian Patrick K. O’Donnell cinematically tells one of World War II’s greatest untold stories.

It is said that the right man in the right place at the right time can mean the difference between victory and defeat. This is the dramatic story of 68 soldiers in the US Army's Second Ranger Battalion, Company D - "Dog Company" - who made that difference, time and again. From D-day, when German guns atop Pointe du Hoc threatened the Allied landings and the men of Dog Company scaled the sheer 90-foot cliffs to destroy them; to the slopes of Hill 400, in Germany’s Hürtgen Forest, where the Rangers launched a desperate bayonet charge across an open field; to a "quiet" section of the Ardennes, where Dog Company suddenly found itself on the tip of the spear at the Battle of the Bulge; the men of Dog Company made the difference.

America had many heroes in World War II; however, few can say that, but for them, the course of the war would have been very different. The right men, the right place, the right time - Dog Company.

Patrick K. O’Donnell is the award-winning author of eight books, including the highly acclaimed account of the Battle of Fallujah We Were One. He has provided historical consulting for Band of Brothers and multiple documentaries. He lives in Austin, Texas.

What the Critics Say

"A great American writer." (Clive Cussler)

"The author’s most important accomplishment among many is to put a human face on the troops who are fighting against some of the fiercest enemies America has ever encountered.… Read O’Donnell’s excellent book." (New York Post on We Were One)

As with most works with a single focus, it can get a bit repetitive. That being said, it is a solid story that tells the story of a unique time and of a unique unit. All of these stories need to be told and listened to. Those that were actually there deserve our attention and understanding to what is really their story.

This was first time with this author. A pretty good performance, but as with most US narrators, I found his pace a touch slow. Maybe that's just me.

I would listen to dog company again because the characters are well drawn and more importantly, real. The author and narrators do a wonderful job of incorporating vivid descriptions of the actions and first Person memories of some of the men involved.

Would you ever listen to anything by Patrick K. O’Donnell again?

Yes, i heard him bring interviews on pubic radio which is what drew me purchasing the audio book. Excellent research.

What does John Pruden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

John does an excellent job of capturing the closeness of the men, their commitment to their assignments. Descriptions of battles were vivid.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A quick introduction to my ratings...everyone has their own views so you should know what mine are so my review may be of help***** - 5 Stars, an all time great that I would want to read every year**** - 4 Stars, a good book that I would be willing to read again*** - 3 Stars, an average book, glad I read but would not read again** - 2 Stars, I finished but was sorry I did and would not recommend it* - 1 Star, i could not even finish it

I list my recommendation if you were my friend, my overall thoughts and then list the 2 things I liked best and the 2 things I liked least about the book. This is not conclusion, rather a 1 min review.

Recommendation - If you like military history, i.e. books like With the Old Breed, Band of Brothers, etc, I highly recommend this book.Overall,this book is another tribute to the brutality of war and the hearts of the WWII generation. They speak of many battles as the summary describes. It is not sugar coated, the author pulls no punches in romanticizing war.

Best1. The description of life in battle pulled no punches. The author also expanded on the quotes, attributing them to the interview or source, so the reader knows they were not the author's narrative, they were from interviews, 1st hand accounts. I appreciate that as many authors like to add to it.

2. I enjoyed the ending when the author spoke of what came of the members of Dog Company, it is good to hear how their lives ended up!

Least1. There is little to say here. I would have enjoyed more background to what was going on big picture, not just the 1st hand accounts, but that would have made for a much longer story.

2. There really was nothing major I did not like about this book. It will come down to personal preference.

I go from fiction to nonfiction on a routine basis. This book reads like fiction. It brings to life the sacrifices and suffering that a whole generation undertook to save western civilization. Books like these should mandatory reading in high schools.

"Dog Company" followed the timeline of "Band of Brothers" (D-Day to V-E Day in Germany) but from the perspective of a different unit. It wasn't the same stories but many new ones. The books are complementary of each other and provide a dramatic history of America's fighting men in the European Theater in WWII.

I believe the battle for Hill 400 is unique to this book. It is quite a hellish story of battlefield horrors and the near destruction of an army unit that held out time and again against attacks from a superior force. I'd like to see a book dedicated to this battle with as complete a rendition as possible from both opposing forces. I'd bet the Germans haves some great tales about Hill 400.

The only shortcoming I found in the book was in the limited development of the personal stories of the men of Dog Company. These were citizen soldiers from many walks of America life who willingly faced battles and campaigns fraught with horrific experiences that could have come from Satan's own top ten list of ways to die. For the most part, the Rangers of Dog Company bravely and repeatedly faced it all with a spirit of aggressive individualism, personal sacrifice, and mission accomplishment. If faced with similar circumstances that might be a hard act to follow in today's modern Army where political correctness, obese bureaucracy, bloated Hqs staffs, and hi-tech micromanagement rules the day.

John Pruden was an excellent narrator and seemed a natural for this book.

Would you try another book from Patrick K. O’Donnell and/or John Pruden?

Possibly.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Well, the allies won WW2 so that's not much of a spoiler.

Which scene was your favorite?

Some of the guys had to relieve themselves at really unfortunate times. That and other details that don't make it into war movies portrayed the men of Dog Company as real people.

Do you think Dog Company needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Probably not. I think the material was covered adequately.

Any additional comments?

I appreciated this book because it was a well told story of a generation which I admire. I don't like the reality of war but I value people who do what they can to stand in the way of evil even though the cost to themselves is potentially so great.

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